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rcon-cli is a command-line tool bundled with the itzg/minecraft-server image that provides CLI access to RCON (Remote Console) endpoints. It enables you to send commands to the Minecraft server without needing to attach to the console.
Version: 1.7.3
Repository: itzg/rcon-cli

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Overview

RCON (Remote Console) is enabled by default in the itzg/minecraft-server image, allowing you to execute commands remotely. The rcon-cli tool provides a simple interface for interacting with the server console.

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Usage

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Interactive Mode

To access the Minecraft server console interactively: 
docker exec -i mc rcon-cli
The -i flag is required for interactive use of rcon-cli.
Once in interactive mode, you can type any Minecraft server command directly: 
> list
There are 0 of a max of 20 players online:
> say Hello, players!
[Server] Hello, players!
> stop
Stopping the server...
Exit interactive mode with Ctrl+D or by typing quit.

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One-Shot Commands

To execute a single command without entering interactive mode, pass the command as arguments: 
docker exec mc rcon-cli stop

docker exec mc rcon-cli say Server restart in 5 minutes

docker exec mc rcon-cli list
The -i flag is not needed for one-shot commands.

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Common Commands

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Server Management

# Stop the server gracefully
docker exec mc rcon-cli stop

# Save the world
docker exec mc rcon-cli save-all

# List online players
docker exec mc rcon-cli list

# Broadcast a message
docker exec mc rcon-cli say Welcome to the server!

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Player Management

# Give operator permissions
docker exec mc rcon-cli op playername

# Remove operator permissions
docker exec mc rcon-cli deop playername

# Kick a player
docker exec mc rcon-cli kick playername Reason for kick

# Ban a player
docker exec mc rcon-cli ban playername

# Teleport a player
docker exec mc rcon-cli tp playername x y z

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World Management

# Set the time
docker exec mc rcon-cli time set day
docker exec mc rcon-cli time set night

# Set the weather
docker exec mc rcon-cli weather clear
docker exec mc rcon-cli weather rain

# Set game rule
docker exec mc rcon-cli gamerule doDaylightCycle false

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Configuration

rcon-cli automatically connects to the RCON port configured in your server. By default, it uses:
  • Host: localhost
  • Port: 25575 (default RCON port)
  • Password: Value from RCON_PASSWORD environment variable

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Environment Variables

You can customize RCON configuration through these environment variables:
  • RCON_PORT - Change the RCON port (default: 25575)
  • RCON_PASSWORD - Set the RCON password (randomly generated by default)
  • ENABLE_RCON - Enable/disable RCON (default: true)

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When RCON is Disabled

If you disable RCON with ENABLE_RCON=false, you can still send commands using the mc-send-to-console script: 
docker exec --user 1000 mc mc-send-to-console op playername
Disabling RCON removes some features, including:
  • Interactive console support
  • Colorized log output
  • Auto-completion
Set the environment variable CREATE_CONSOLE_IN_PIPE=true to enable console pipe functionality.

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Advanced Usage

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With Docker Compose

In a Docker Compose setup: 
# Interactive mode
docker compose exec -i minecraft rcon-cli

# One-shot command
docker compose exec minecraft rcon-cli list

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Scripting

You can use rcon-cli in scripts for automation: 
#!/bin/bash

# Backup script
docker exec mc rcon-cli save-off
docker exec mc rcon-cli save-all flush
# ... perform backup ...
docker exec mc rcon-cli save-on

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Multiple Commands

Execute multiple commands in sequence: 
docker exec mc rcon-cli << EOF
save-all
say Backing up world...
EOF

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Troubleshooting

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Authentication Failed

If you get authentication errors:
  1. Check that RCON is enabled (ENABLE_RCON=true)
  2. Verify the RCON password is correct
  3. Check the RCON port is correct (default 25575)

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Connection Refused

If rcon-cli cannot connect:
  1. Ensure the server is fully started
  2. Check that RCON is enabled in server configuration
  3. Verify the RCON port is not blocked

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Command Not Found

If you get “command not found”:
  • The rcon-cli tool is only available inside the container
  • Always use docker exec to run it
See also:

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